In 1870, in stark contrast to the bustling beachside district we know today, South Beach was predominantly unsettled farmland. That year, the Lum brothers purchased the 160 acres of land to grow coconuts. The daughter of one of the brothers named the land “South Beach”, but the name did not stick until later on. In 1894, the brothers left the land to John Collins, who discovered fresh water and expanded his parcel further north to what is now 67th street.

In 1912, two Miami businessmen bought 400 acres of land from Collins to turn the land into single-family homes. Collins felt that a bridge from Miami to the island was necessary, and construction began in 1913 with the support of local bankers and investors. Within a year, Collins had run out of money for the project, and it was taken over by Carl G. Fisher, who envisioned a city independent from Miami. South Beach was not incorporated until 1915, and by 1920, it was undergoing a land boom, with automobile-accessible roads driving the construction of homes for the rich and famous.

During World War II, South Beach was used as a training location, and after the war, many soldiers chose to make Miami Beach their home doubling the city's population. In 1964, South Beach became even more popular, thanks to the help of TV personality Jackie Gleason, whose weekly comedy show was a ringing endorsement for Miami Beach. The destination also became popular as a retirement community, as people from Northern states fled the cold and retired to South Beach to experience warm weather all year long. Unfortunately some of these residents failed to take into consideration the amount of upkeep required for a coastal property, and South Beach's appearance declined.

In 1983, the town became the setting for the famous gangster movie Scarface, which put South Beach on the map and led to renewed interest in its beautiful location and history as a playground of the rich and famous. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, South Beach was infused with new life, becoming more popular with businesses and tourists alike. Today, it has a reputation as a fun, laid-back arts and nightlife district that is popular with tourists from around the world.

The MacArthur Causeway is one of the main routes into South Beach, and connects the southern tip of the island with I-95. Alternatively, drivers can take I-195, the Julia Tuttle Causeway, which also connects to I-95, or the Venetian Causeway (toll road,) which connects to US 1.

From Miami International Airport, drivers can chose to use either the Airport Expressway, which connects to the Julia Tuttle Causeway, or the Dolphin Expressway, which connects to the MacArthur Causeway.

Public transit in and to South Beach is serviced by Miami-Dade Transit's Metrobus. Information on Metrobus is available on the Miami Dade Transit website [64]. Several bus routes serve South Beach, and connect visitors to the airport, downtown, Miami Metrorail, and more. The #150 Airport Flyer is one route that connects directly to the airport ($2.65 fare), and the "C", "M", "S", and #120 connect to Downtown Miami.

Additionally, in South Beach there is a free trolley service which brings visitors along Alton Road, and West Avenue, and runs between Lincoln Road and 5th Street, with additional stops along the way. [65]

South Beach has one of the richest cultural scenes in the Miami area, focused on the arts, with world-famous architecture in the Art Deco District along Ocean Drive.

Art Deco District, 1001 Ocean Drive, ☎1 305 672-2014, [1]. It only takes a stroll down Ocean Drive and through much of the neighboring blocks to see the world's largest collection of modern Art Deco architecture. The Miami Design Preservation League runs an Art Deco Welcome Center that serves as the base of operations for all things Art Deco with lectures, films, and other special events. There are also guided walking tours of the district for a fee; call ahead for times and to make reservations.edit

Casa Casuarina (Versace Mansion), 1116 Ocean Drive, [2]. Built by Gianni Versace in 1993, this famous house is also the site where he was tragically murdered in 1997. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in South Beach, but it is not open to the public. It is now owned by retired telecommunications tycoon Peter Loftin, who operates it as a private, members-only hotel.edit

Espanola Way, Collins West to Pennsylvania, [3]. Modeled after Mediterranean villages found in France and Spain.edit

ArtCenter/South Florida, 800 & 810 Lincoln Road, ☎305.674.8278, [4]. 11 am - 10 pm. ArtCenter/South Florida is a non-profit organization with a public gallery featuring art by some of South Florida's most talented artists. The ArtCenter is best known for its artist-in-residence program, which provides 42 studios for professional artists. All studios and the gallery are open to the public free of charge.Free. edit

Bass Museum of Art, 2121 Park Ave, ☎+1 305 673-7530, [5]. Tu-W and F-Sa 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-5PM. This art museum, expanded by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, houses several European artworks from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Baroque and Northern European artworks are the highlights of the Bass Museum’s permanent collection of over 3000 pieces from Old Masters and modernist works. The Bass Museum also hosts touring exhibitions and the New Information Workshop, a computer laboratory that allows visitors to create their own artwork.$12 adults, $10 students and seniors, children under 6 years of age free. Free admission the second Thu of each month from 6PM-9PM. edit

The Holocaust Memorial, 1933-1945 Meridian Ave (at Dade Blvd), ☎+1 305 538-1663, [6]. 9AM-9PM daily. Located adjacent to the Botanical Garden, the memorial was created with the help of Miami Beach Holocaust survivors and sculptor Kenneth Treister in 1984, and was funded by a private, non-profit organization. It was opened to the public in 1990. The most noticeable features of this memorial include a sculpture of a giant outstretched arm covered with climbing Holocaust victims and an Auschwitz tattoo; the Garden of Meditation, with a 200-ft diameter reflecting pool with a dedication to victims; and sculptures of a dying mother and her children surrounded by Anne Frank quotes. In addition, there is a memorial wall etched with the names of victims with candles placed by visitors honoring the memory of the dead.Free. edit

Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Dr, [7]. A collection of subtropical palms and plants, including a Japanese Garden, an orchid collection, several varieties of subtropical palms, and other exotic plants.Free. edit

Jewish Museum of Florida, 301 Washington Ave, ☎+1 305 672-5044, [8]. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. Closed Mondays and civil and Jewish holidays.. This museum, located in a 1936 synagogue that hosted Miami’s first Jewish congregation, has a permanent exhibit detailing how Florida’s Jews arrived in Florida as well as their history in Florida and their customs. The museum also has videos to view while you’re inside the museum, temporary exhibits in the center of the synagogue and a gift shop. A small and fairly uninteresting museum.Adult admission $6, senior and student admission $5, family admission $12, children under six and members of the Jewish Museum of Florida free. Admission is also free on Sat. edit

Wolfsonian-Florida International University Museum, 1001 Washington Ave, ☎+1 305 531-1001, [9]. M-Tu and F-Sa 11AM-6PM, Th 11AM-9PM, Su 12PM-5PM. Back in the 1930s and 1940s, this building was the headquarters of the Washington Storage Company, a facility where the rich could stash their valuables whenever they were out of town. Movie theater heir and Miami native Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. stored so much artwork here that he bought the storage company, and later gave the building to Florida International University, hence the museum’s odd name. The Wolfsonian hosts a large Modernist-era (around 1885-1945) art collection that includes propaganda posters and postcards, Art Deco household items, and other touring exhibits. There is also a café, bookstore, fountain and a modernist-inspired artwork on the first floor.Adults $5, seniors, students with ID and children 6-12 $3.50. edit

A visit to South Beach would not be complete without a trip to its beautiful beach. You can find food and drink stands; rent beach chairs and umbrellas; find restrooms and shower facilities; stroll along a walking trail; play volleyball; and enjoy watersports; all while protected by lifeguards and beach patrol. Topless bathing is allowed here, and a mostly-gay crowd sunbathes around 12th Street. The clear, calm waters of the Atlantic are warm all year round, with soft gold sand and palm trees swaying in the subtropical breezes. Many hotels and buildings line the coast.

Flamingo Park, 11th St. and Jefferson Ave. Lush outdoor park that offers facilities such as tennis, racketball and basketball courts.edit

Lummus Park, Ocean Dr. from 5th to 15th St. South Beach's most famous beachfront park is located along the party hotspot that is Ocean Drive. Huge grassy areas and giant palm trees make for a great backdrop for photo shoots, which happen frequently, alongside volleyball courts and pull up bars. A wavy pedestrian walk called the Promenade weaves through the north end of the park and up along the beach to 21st St, where it turns into boardwalk. The bathrooms, located at around 11th Street, are in a stunning Art Deco boat-shaped building but have rusty fixtures and are dirty.edit

South Pointe Park, 1 Washington Ave. Good place to sit and watch the cruise ships as they pass by.edit

Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Rd, ☎+1 305 674-1040, [10]. This state-of-the-art theater in the heart of South Beach is home to drama, opera, film, music, and comedy.edit

Jackie Gleason Theatre (Fillmore Miami Beach), 1700 Washington Ave, ☎+1 305 673-7300 (fax: +1 305 938-2560), [11]. Opened in 1950, this historic theater was the filming location of many early television shows, including the Dick Clark and Ed Sullivan Show, the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, and, of course, Jackie Gleason's weekly comedy hour, which brought fame to South Beach. In 2007, the theater received a multimillion-dollar renovation, allowing it to showcase a new era of performers.edit

The big place to max out your credit card in South Beach is the Collins Avenue Fashion District, located on Collins Avenue between 5th Street and 9th Street. Shops include Barney's, Guess, Nicole Miller, and Kenneth Cole. Other options include the Lincoln Road Mall, a seven-block outdoor shopping mall with more than 400 stores that hosts a weekly farmer's market on Sunday mornings. Ocean Drive has a collection of funky, youthful boutiques, many selling unique accessories.

Diesel Jeans, 801 Washington Ave, ☎+1 305 535-9695. This Italian retailer specializes in men's and women's jeans, and sometimes hosts special events such as music showcases.edit

South Beach has plenty of places to eat. Restaurants and cafes along Ocean Drive are convenient for beach-goers and popular among tourists, but they can be prohibitively expensive. On the other hand, Lincoln Road offers a wide range of quality food at good prices and cater to locals and tourists alike. For a more European flavor, check out Espanola Way which looks and feels just like an Italian street.

If you plan on eating on Ocean Drive, look for specials: some places offer half off of certain items for lunch, for example, or have promoters out on the sidewalks with flyers advertising deals for the evening.

11th Street Diner, 1065 Washington Ave, ☎+1 305 534-6373. Really cool and is on the corner of Washington and 11th St in South Beach. They serve breakfast all day. $8-$15. edit

Big Pink, 157 Collins Ave (near and across from Privé and Opium Gardens), ☎+1 305 532-4700, [18]. Comfort food. Once you enter this restaurant, head for its large menu near the entrance to see its selection of burgers, breakfasts and other items that have been brought to the present day. Stay if you're interested in what's playing on the televisions. If you’re not in the mood to head to the restaurant, Big Pink offers free takeout in a pink VW bug (and occasionally to bouncers at Privé).$3-$20. edit

The Frieze Ice Cream Factory, 1626 Michigan Avenue (one block south of Lincoln Road), ☎+1 305 538-0207. This self-designated "world's greatest ice cream company" is something of a local favorite, and though you might not consider it any better than your ice cream shop back home, their selection of homemade flavors are fairly creative and varied. They also have a large selection of "healthier" sorbets, an important component for image-conscious Miami. If you're hankering for something cold, this is a better choice than the chains on Lincoln Road that overcharge.$2-$7. edit

News Café, 800 Ocean Dr, [19]. Open 24 hours. Breakfast, pizzas, sandwiches and paninis, burgers, Middle Eastern cuisine, appetizers, entrees and dessert. Because of its location on the corner of 8th St and Ocean Dr, News Café is the perfect place to see anything from models to shoppers to Duck Tour buses. Note: a 15% tip is added to your order automatically. Internet access also available here for a fee.$2-$25. edit

Pizza Rustica, 863 Washington Ave, ☎+1 305 674-8244, [20]. This small chain is also branching out in LA and locations all over South Florida. In Miami, there are locations in Downtown Miami, Cameo and Lincoln Road Mall. It serves Roman-style pizza. Pizza is made by the foot and cut to a desired length and then folded over like a sandwich. Salads are also served. Accepts cash only.$3-$18. edit

Primo Pizza, 100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, ☎(305) 535-2555, [21]. 8am - 12am. Has the best authentic New York Style Pizza in south beach, it is a favorite with tourist and locals alike.20.00. edit

Larios on the Beach, 820 Ocean Dr, ☎+1 305 532-9577. Su-Th 11:30AM-12AM, Fr-Sa 11:30AM-1AM. Cuban. One of Gloria Estefan’s many restaurants in South Florida, this place is said to have some of the best mojitos in South Beach.$8-$27. edit

Nobu, 1901 Collins Ave (located in the Shore Hotel), ☎+1 305 695-3232, [24]. Japanese. One of the many Nobu restaurants around the world known for its amazing Japanese food. Good luck trying to get a reservation though.$3-$70 (the NOBU signature menu is $110; the Omakase, a meal determined by the chef, is $150). edit

Pasha's, 900 Lincoln Rd, ☎+1 305 673-3919, [25]. Healthy Mediterranean fare that is as tasty as it looks. Good location on Lincoln Road and the staff are attentive.edit

A Fish Called Avalon, 700 Ocean Dr, ☎+1 305 532-1727, [27]. Fresh seafood restaurant that has locals and visitors raving. While the service can be better, the food is impeccable. Be sure to try the Lobster Cavatelli or the Cilantro Cured Swordfish.$12-$45. edit

Barton G. the Restaurant, 1427 West Ave, ☎+1 305 672-8881, [28]. Su-Sa 6PM-12AM. Experimental American cuisine, with plates and drinks outrageously designed by chef Barton G., South Beach's most famous event planner and caterer. He uses the same showy presentation and food in his restaurant as he does with his catering. Reservations are requested. Dine with socialites and celebrities, and don't forget your credit card, it's quite expensive.$8-$30. edit

Casa Tua, 1700 James Ave, ☎+1 305 673-1010, [30]. If it's good enough for Sting then it might be good enough for you. If you want to go up-market for dinner, it's hard to beat--but be prepared to pay for the experience.edit

Joe’s Stone Crab, 11 Washington Ave, ☎+1 305 673-0365, [31]. Seasonal hours. Opened in 1913, this Miami landmark is famous for three things: stone crabs, which they claim to have discovered, key lime pie and the long lines for its dinner service. Lines should be shorter or non-existent during lunch or at its sister restaurant, Joe’s Take-Out. Stone crab claws can cost as much as $60 per serving, depending upon the size and current market prices. If you're looking for something different, there are plenty of other seafood and meat entrees on the menu in the $20-$30 price range. edit

Mango’s Tropical Café, 900 Ocean Drive, ☎+1 305 673-4422, [32]. Su-Sa 11AM-5AM. Caribbean and American. Mango’s appearance in the cinematic bomb From Justin to Kelly—sparsely populated, well-lit at night and quiet enough to have a conversation about conniving girlfriends—is the exact opposite of how Mango’s is on a typical day. This infamous South Beach spot is known for its dancers and bartenders in cat suits gyrating on the center bar to live music. There are also two side bars and plenty of tables if you want to be away from the action in the middle of the restaurant. After 6PM, it is a 21+ only establishment, and there will be a cover charge that ranges from $5-$20 depending on the entertainment. edit

Porcao, 801 Brickell Bay Dr, ☎+1 305 373-2777. A fixed price ($41) offers a variety of food options, but vegetarians beware, this is a meat lovers mecca. Although you can snack on healthy options at the buffet - caesar salad, sushi, pasta, and various vegetables and cheeses, the main event is the meat. Roaming waiters present you with various types of meat carved for you at your table (rodizio service). All cuts of meat are exceptional and tastes even better accompanied by Chilean wines offered on the wine list.edit

Tantra (on the corner of Espanola Way), 1145 Pennsylvania Ave, ☎+1 305 672-4765, [33]. Sun-Sat 7PM-5AM. Middle Eastern/Mediterranean/Indian. This restaurant/club is heavy on the Middle Eastern vibe—grass land its floors. Booths can be closed in this eatery for privacy and hookah pipes and aphrodisiac cocktails are passed around.$24-$52. edit

Nightlife in South Beach starts late and ends early in the morning. Getting to a club well after midnight is common. If you're not famous, wealthy, or not with someone famous or wealthy, expect to be charged full price for cover (that includes the ladies!) at some of the swankier clubs. If there's a cover, make sure you find out what the crowd is and what kind of music or DJ is playing on any particular night before you buy in to anything you might not enjoy. No matter how exclusive the location is, drinks anywhere will be plenty expensive, which is why anyone without money to throw around will have had a few drinks already before they show up anywhere else.

Clevelander, 1020 Ocean Drive, ☎+1 305 532-4006. Beautiful, Fun, and a great night life spot. The Clevelander Bar is fun for all ages over the age of 21. They usually begin the night with a live band and then as the night goes on the DJ is spinning all the latest tunes. They have a stage that is designated for dancing and right behind the stage is the pool bar. They have fun tropical drinks along with classic drinks that many are used to at home. At night the bars are lit up with beautiful neon lights to set it apart from the other bars that line the Ocean Drive. Drinks range from about $10-$14 dollars, but gratuity is included.edit

Mac's Club Deuce, 222 14th St, ☎+1 305 673-9537. Sun-Sat 8AM-5AM. Miami Beach’s oldest bar, founded in 1926, is not as pretentious as several other bars around Miami. An affordable, local hangout with a jukebox and a pool table.edit

Icon, 1235 Washington Ave, ☎+1 786 735-3344, [34]. Friday and Saturday 11PM-5AM. Large popular nightclub set in the heart of Washington Avenue. Set over two floors, the slightly-pretentious yet buzzing club is a display of urban chic and is popular largely with tourists and locals depending on the night. The club boasts big name DJ's that you would find in any Ibiza superclub, such as Roger Sanchez. The club is part of the Opium Group which owns some of the other clubs in South Beach. There are a mixture of nights ranging from techno/commercial house to hip hop and RnB. If you are visiting Miami, your hotel should be able to provide you with concierge passes which will get you to the front of the line, although on big events expect to argue with the door staff about the wait. Expect to pay $50 for entry when big names appear, $15-30 midweek, well worth a visit.edit

Nikki Beach Miami, 1 Ocean Dr (behind), ☎+1 305 531-5535, [35]. Teepees and beds surround this outdoor space, which feels smaller in person than it does in television shows and movies such as From Justin to Kelly. This club is infamous for welcoming the likes of celebrities such as Brooke Hogan (Hulk Hogan’s daughter and a singer in her own right). Part of a small chain of Nikki Beach clubs, others most notably in St. Tropez and Hollywood, Ca. The nightclub has a fun yet pretentious vibe, the door staff often operate a strict 70/30 rule on women to men on busy nights, which can often mean male groups having difficulty gaining entry. The only way to ensure entry is to purchase a table costing anywhere between $500-$1000. The clientele is a mix of socialites, models and some tourists. Sundays are the most popular night, definitely worth a visit.edit

Purdy Lounge, 1811 Purdy Ave, ☎+1 305 531-4622, [36]. M-F 3PM-5AM, Sa-Su 6PM-5AM. A funky local dance joint, the world famous Purdy Lounge is open till 5AM every day of the year. Daily drink specials, live reggae on Mon and live local bands on Tuesday. The joint gets packed on the weekends and most of the crowds starts coming in at 11PM. Drinks are inexpensive and pours are generous.edit

Rose Bar at the Delano, 1685 Collins Ave (located in the Delano Hotel), ☎+1 305 672-2000, [37]. Created by Ian Schrager, the bar has several rose-colored glasses surrounding it. Drinks are expensive, so be prepared to wear out your wallet.edit

Skybar, 1901 Collins Ave (located at the Shore Club), ☎+1 305 695-3100, [38]. Times vary depending on rooms within the Skybar. Consisting of several places in the space behind the Shore Club with whimsical names like the Redroom, the Sandbar and the Rumbar, the Shore Club is tough to get into for people not on the A-list or guests at the hotel. Another hotel creation by Ian Schrager.edit

Tantra, 1445 Pennsylvania Ave, ☎+1 305 672-4765. 7PM-5AM. A sensual Middle Eastern atmosphere complete with real grass on the floor, Tantra is the place to feel sleek and sexy. Aphrodisiac martinis add to the ambiance, while the house music playing makes you feel that you've found the 'it' spot in South Beach.edit

Wet Willie's, 760 Ocean Drive, ☎+1 305 532-5650, [39]. 40+ different Daiquiri flavors. What is there no to love while/after soaking up the sun in this beautiful city. Wet Willie's is known for their delicious daiquiris and exotic mixed drinks. This is a great fun atmosphere that every one will enjoy. They also serve great food to satisfy every ones taste buds.edit

While some of the most famous and well-known hotels and resorts are located in South Beach, the area can be noisy, crowded and expensive. Hotels and resorts are located along the entire length of Miami Beach, so travelers should also consider places further north of 23rd St.

South Beach Hostel, 235 Washington Ave, ☎+1 305 534-6669 (fax: +1 305 672-5495), [43]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: noon. The hostel offers shared or private rooms for 4, 6, and 8 people. Security lockers in-dorm, large kitchen and TV area with pool table and internet access. They also have a large bar that is open until 5AM for the party animals with lots of great drink specials. Free transportation to Miami International Airport offered twice a day. If you are traveling on a tight budget, this is a great opportunity to experience South Beach without going overboard.$40 (2 bed room), $24-$28 (single bed). edit

Albion Hotel South Beach, 1650 James Avenue, ☎+1 305 913-1000, [46]. Modern Art Deco hotel ideally situated a couple of blocks to Collins Ave, Ocean Drive. The hotel is stylized as an Ocean Liner and is excellent value for money. The hotel has a large mezzanine level pool, hotel bar and rooms with very comfortable beds - you have been warned! The concierge staff are very helpful and will organised most things for you, there is also valet parking available.edit

Clevelander Hotel, 1020 Ocean Drive, ☎+1 305. The Clevelander Hotel is known as one of the hottest party places to stay while in South Beach. The pool is surrounded by glass blocks and neon bars, while the dance floors and outdoor stage are often filled with fantastic entertainment. Situated right on Ocean Drive, the sexy outdoor bars are always hopping and they have the highest liquor sales of any bar in Florida. The 54 rooms are well furnished and are all equipped with AC and cable TV (if you have time to watch TV at all). The rooms average at about $120/night, depending on time of travel. If you are ready to party, this hotel won't let you down. Due to the party scene at this hotel, no one under 21 can stay here.edit

The Hotel of South Beach, 801 Collins Ave, ☎+1 305 531-2222, toll-free +1 877 843-4683 (fax: +1 305 531-3222), [49]. Formerly the Tiffany Hotel (as implied by its spire on the top of the building), it was renovated by clothing and home decorating designer Todd Oldham. The Hotel has a blank façade on the outside but a multi-colored space on the inside. The 53 rooms are decorated with mirrors rather than artwork and have plenty of storage space around the room to compensate for room size. There is also a gem-cut swimming pool and lounge on the upper decks, room service, air conditioning, TV, stereo, and Wish, The Hotel’s French-Brazilian restaurant which also has a bar.$245-$285 (winter rates), $144-$245 (off-season rates). edit

Pelican Hotel, 826 Ocean Dr, ☎+1 305 673-3373, [53]. Pelican Hotel claims it is a “toy-hotel” rather than a hotel because every one of its 30 rooms and suites is designed around a theme rather than the hotel itself being designed around a theme. Magnus Ehrland, a Swedish designer, created rooms like the “Psychedelic(ate) Girl,” “Jesus Christ Megastar” and the “Best Whorehouse” (which is said to be the most popular, and hardest to score, room in the hotel). Ehrland used his imagination and a lot of flea market goodies to design the rooms. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves breakfast well into the day, a bar, a concierge, laundry service, air conditioning, TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, iron, safe, and a stereo.$180-$440 per night (winter rates), $155-$310 per night (off-season rates).. edit

The Raleigh, 1775 Collins Avenue, ☎+1 305 534-6300, [54]. The 105-room Raleigh hotel is a masterpiece of Art Deco grandeur, designed by legendary architect L. Murray in 1940, and has been a staple of South Beach since its renovation in the 1980's. The pool is fantastic.edit

The Bentley Hotel, 501 Ocean Drive, [57]. Yet another Art Deco Hotel in an oceanfront building dating back to from 1934. The Bentley's meticulously restored art deco architecture provides a luxurious, yet intimate environment. One of few upscale options on Ocean Drive.edit

Delano, 1685 Collins Avenue, ☎+1 305 672-2000, [59]. Hotel has poolside bungalows, the Blue Door restaurant, the Blue Sea restaurant, the Rose Bar, the Agua Spa, penthouse suites and meeting facilities. Known in the past for Madonna hanging around the hotel, nowadays you may find the likes of Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis in the hotel whenever she's in town. The famous hotel lobby has become a nightclub destination in its own right, which is great if you want somewhere to party, not so much if you're just trying to get back to your room.$315-$925 (standard room), $1,000-$2,100 (suite), $1,500-$3,000 (bungalow/two bedroom), $2,400-$3,800 (penthouse). edit

The Setai, 2001 Collins Ave, ☎+1 305 520-6000, [60]. Contemporary Asian style hotel in a reconstructed Deco building. Managed by GHM hotels, operator of the high-end Chedi chain. Quite possibly one of the most expensive boutique hotels in Miami (let alone South Beach).$950-$9000+ per night (ask about their prices for their four bedroom penthouse). edit

The Tides South Beach Hotel, 1220 Ocean Drive, ☎+1 305 604-5070, [62]. An icon of Art Deco architecture. Debuted a provocative new design in the fall of 2007 by trendsetting designer Kelly Wearstler. The glamorous new design re-dresses the hotel's interiors incorporating elements from the sea, rich textures, sunset colors and vintage recreations with a nod to its illustrious past while setting new standards for future hotel design.edit